During the next few years, this contract will advance the design and engineering for the Gold Line Foothill Extension light-rail project from Azusa to Montclair to a point where it will be ready for a design-build procurement.

"The construction now underway is on budget and on schedule and the time is right to ready the next phase of the Foothill Gold Line for future construction," stated construction authority CEO, Habib Balian. "Through this effort, we will make the Azusa to Montclair segment shovel ready as we continue to seek out construction funding."

Proposals are due March 5, 2014, and a contract award is anticipated in April 2014. The selected team will work closely with the construction authority staff to advance the design of the project to the level of "advanced conceptual engineering," as well as conduct additional environmental analyses as necessary.

The 12.3-mile Azusa to Montclair project will extend light-rail service from the APU/Citrus College Station in the city of Azusa to the future stations in Glendora, San Dimas, La Verne, Pomona, Claremont and Montclair.